It would be fantastic if every Cleveland Guardians rookie could make his debut like Chase DeLauter did to start his first full MLB season. The outfielder hit four home runs in his first three games, which was a historic start in league annals.
On the other end of the spectrum, after Travis Bazzana was called up to make his debut in late April, it took him 13 at-bats to get his first hit. But there were always signs that the second baseman was a very good hitter in his own right.
As Buster Olney of ESPN points out, the Guardians rookie is proving he’s ready for a big role, as he will become Cleveland’s leadoff hitter someday.
“Taylor Ward (Baltimore Orioles) has been the most disciplined hitter in the big leagues so far, swinging at just 13.3% of pitches outside the zone. Next best among qualified hitters: Miguel Vargas (Chicago White Sox), 17.8%. Which is all context for how remarkable Travis Bazzana has been in a small sample size so far: 16%. He’s got 10 walks, 6 strikeouts, a .396 OBP. Future leadoff hitter,” Olney posted on X.
Taylor Ward has been the most disciplined hitter in the big leagues so far, swinging at just 13.3% of pitches outside the zone. Next best among qualified hitters: Miguel Vargas, 17.8%.
Which is all context for how remarkable Travis Bazzana has been in a small sample size so far:…— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 11, 2026
Bazzana’s batting average has struggled to rise above .200, but his on-base percentage has consistently remained over .350 in his first 12 major league games. It is a pattern that he has shown going back to his time in college at Oregon State, leading to him becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Then, in 135 minor league games, he batted .252 with a .391 OBP.
Perhaps most impressively, since arriving in the major leagues on April 28, he has drastically improved his walks-to-strikeouts ratio. He has 12 walks but just seven strikeouts for the Guardians, after having more strikeouts than walks in the minors (147 to 104).
That has led to perhaps his biggest contribution to the Guardians so far. He has seven stolen bases in those 12 games, a fast start that hasn’t been seen very often in the major leagues.
It’s not like he doesn’t have power if he needs it, either. Though he has just two extra-base hits, a double and a home run, his blast against the Minnesota Twins on Friday traveled 427 feet to center field.
As he continues to physically mature and further adapt to the majors, more big hits will inevitably come, and Bazzana will always have his good eye and plate discipline to rely on while he develops his game.
NEXT: Brayan Rocchio Reveals How He's Helping Top Guardians Rookie
